activities · 18
what they do
direct service · 15
- Community Performances and OutreachConducts smaller performances at various organizations and nursing homes, and performs annually for the Salvation Army at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless, a tradition maintained since 1995.
- Distributing performance recordings and commemorative materials Arts Ticket Access ProgramsOffers a video package of shows including full downloads and professional photo sessions, with each student receiving a free class picture for every class attended.
- Engages in community outreach through performancesPerforms annually at the Salvation Army Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless in Tucson, a tradition ongoing since 1995, and has provided entertainment at these events for over a decade.
- Nutritional Meal Programs for Students School-Based Meal ProgramsOffers 5-day and 7-day meal plans to ensure children eat nutritious and kid-friendly meals during their rehearsal week, serving dinner daily with a variety of menu items.
- Offering scholarships and financial support for student participation Targeted Educational ScholarshipsProvides scholarships to students in need, funded through donations and annual fundraisers such as silent auctions and snack bar sales, with over $65,000 awarded in scholarships in the past year.
- Offers scholarships and financial aid for program participation Targeted Educational ScholarshipsProvides scholarships to students in need, funded through donations and annual fundraisers such as silent auctions and snack bar sales. Raised over $65,000 in scholarships in the past year.
- Operating meal programs during rehearsal weeks School-Based Meal ProgramsProvides 5-day and 7-day nutritious, kid-friendly meal plans during rehearsal weeks, serving daily dinners and weekend lunches with menu items like pizza, hamburgers, and sandwiches, accompanied by dessert and beverages.
- Performance Documentation and Memorabilia Arts Ticket Access ProgramsOffers a video package of shows, including a download link for both performances, and provides a free class picture for every class attended.
- Performing Arts Education and Training Youth & Adult Theater Education ProgramsOffers summer classes in dance, singing, and acting for children, providing vocal coaching and teaching services specializing in children and teens. This includes a high-energy, Broadway-style performance featuring young performers aged 3 to 18.
- Produces and performs in theatrical and community shows Youth & Family Theatrical ProductionsPresents high-energy, Broadway-style performances featuring young performers aged 3 to 18, including fall and spring recitals. Also conducts smaller performances at nursing homes, organizations, and special events in the Tucson community.
- Producing and performing in theatrical shows and community events Professional Theatrical Productions of Plays and MusicalsStages high-energy, Broadway-style performances featuring young performers aged 3 to 18, and conducts smaller performances at nursing homes, organizations, and annual events like the Salvation Army Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless, a tradition since at least 1995.
- Provides meals during rehearsal periods School-Based Meal ProgramsOffers 5-day and 7-day meal plans to ensure children eat nutritious, kid-friendly meals each night during their rehearsal week. Serves daily dinner and weekend meals with dessert and beverage options.
- Provides performing arts education and classes for children and teens Youth & Adult Theater Education ProgramsOffers summer dance, singing, and acting classes for children, along with vocal coaching and teaching services specializing in youth. The organization operates KU Studios, which includes an Ensemble program, and has provided arts education since 1986.
- Providing performing arts education and classes for children and teens Youth & Adult Theater Education ProgramsOffers summer dance, singing, and acting classes for children, along with vocal coaching and teaching services specializing in youth performers. The organization operates KU Studios, established in 2009, and added an Ensemble program three years ago to expand training opportunities.
- Sells performance-related merchandise and materials Arts Ticket Access ProgramsOffers program books for $12 each, which were viewed over 600 times by attendees, and sells video packages of shows that include full downloads and professional photo sessions with class photos.
capacity building · 3
- Engaging in fundraising and sponsorship activities Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsRaises funds through flower sales, silent auctions, snack bars, and program book sales ($12 each, viewed over 600 times), while featuring sponsor logos on banners, website, and social media during recitals and community events.
- Recognizes sponsors and promotes community partnerships Sponsorship Development & RecognitionFeatures community sponsors' logos on banners at recitals and events, and displays sponsor logos on its website and social media with links to corporate sites.
- Scholarship Program for Performing Arts Targeted Educational ScholarshipsProvides scholarships to students to enable their participation in performing arts activities, funded through flower sales and other fundraisers like silent auctions and snack bars. Over $65,000 in scholarships were provided in the last year.
strategies · 14
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- All-Inclusive Performing Arts Education Model all_inclusive_arts_educationKIDS UNLIMITED operates as an all-inclusive arts school that integrates dance, singing, acting, and musical theatre in a nurturing environment, accommodating diverse needs and ensuring every child can participate fully.
- Community Service Integration community_service_integrationThe organization integrates community service as a significant component of the participant experience, aiming to instill a sense of civic responsibility and connection to the broader community.
- Financial Accessibility through Scholarships and Fundraising financial_accessibilityKIDS UNLIMITED ensures that performing arts education is accessible to all children, regardless of their financial situation, by providing scholarships to meet demonstrated financial need. This is supported through various fundraising efforts, including community donations, silent auctions, snack bar sales, and program advertising.
- Financial Accessibility through Scholarships and Sponsorships financial_accessibilityThe organization ensures that performing arts education is accessible to all children, regardless of their financial situation, by providing scholarships to cover program costs and meeting the full demonstrated financial need of its students. This is supported through community fundraising efforts and a sponsorship model.
- Holistic Youth Development through Performing Arts holistic_youth_development_through_performing_artsKIDS UNLIMITED uses performing arts education (dance, singing, acting) as a vehicle for holistic youth development, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, creativity, self-discipline, and positive self-image in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. This approach emphasizes individual attention, skill mastery, and positive learning experiences.
- Holistic Youth Development through Performing Arts holistic_youth_development_through_performing_artsKIDS UNLIMITED uses performing arts education (dance, singing, acting) as a vehicle for holistic youth development, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, creativity, self-discipline, and positive self-image in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. This approach emphasizes individual attention and positive learning experiences to help young performers grow into productive and caring adults.
- Holistic Youth Development through Performing Arts holistic_youth_development_through_performing_artsThe organization uses performing arts as a vehicle for holistic youth development, intentionally designing lessons to build confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, and a positive self-image while fostering creativity and individual expression in a safe and supportive environment.
- Inclusive and Financially Accessible Arts Education financial_accessibilityKIDS UNLIMITED ensures access to high-quality performing arts education for all children regardless of financial background by offering full-need scholarships and utilizing a sponsorship model, with the goal of making participation universally accessible.
- Mentorship and Alumni Engagement mentorshipKIDS UNLIMITED fosters a mentorship model where older and advanced performers, including alumni, guide and teach younger participants. This approach shares experience, inspires performers, and ensures the program's philosophy is passed down by individuals who have grown within the organization.
- Mentorship and Community Integration mentorship_and_community_integrationThe organization fosters a strong sense of community and leadership by integrating mentorship, where older students and alumni guide younger performers, and by incorporating community service into the participant experience. This approach aims to share experience, inspire, and develop caring individuals.
- Mentorship and Leadership Development through Peer Teaching alumni mentorshipAdvanced students and alumni mentor younger performers, creating a culture of shared experience and leadership that reinforces program values and supports continuity in teaching and inspiration.
- Story-Centered and Community-Integrated Engagement story-centered_engagementKIDS UNLIMITED centers student narratives in artistic development and integrates community service into the participant experience, strengthening personal identity and civic responsibility.
- Student-Centered, Skill-Based Arts Pedagogy student-centered developmentThe organization emphasizes personal growth, individual attention, and mastery of technical skills in dance and performance, using structured training—particularly ballet as a foundation—to develop disciplined, joyful, and skilled young performers.
- Sustainable and Community-Supported Operations community fundraisingThe organization reduces environmental impact through digital tools and relies on community fundraising—including family donations, program advertising, and event-based support—to sustain scholarships and operations.
named programs · 4
what they call their work
Mentorship Program
Advanced performers and alumni mentor younger students, teaching classes and modeling performance and leadership skills
Nursing Home & Community Outreach Performances
Small-scale performances by student groups at nursing homes and community organizations throughout Tucson
Salvation Army Holiday Performances
Annual performances at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for homeless individuals hosted by the Salvation Army in Tucson
Spring and Fall Recitals
Large-scale productions held at the Berger Performing Arts Center, featuring students from all levels in dance, singing, and acting numbers
relationships · 15
who they work with
- Berger Performing Arts Center ASDB Partner — Hosts shows and performances at the center.
- Carol Sottosanti Partner — Co-founder of Kids Unlimited.
- First We Eat Catering Partner — Caters and prepares all meals fresh and daily.
- Greek Church Partner — Provided entertainment at their Thanksgiving Dinner for over a decade.
- KU Studios Partner — Collaborates on presenting performing arts programs and events for children.
- KU Studios Partner — Collaborates to support the KU Studios scholarship program through flower sale proceeds.
- MDA Partner — Appeared together at the annual MDA telethon beginning in the 1980s.
- Pima Community College Partner — Faculty member attended Pima Community College, indicating local educational connection.
- Salvation Army Partner — Performs annually at their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless.
- Salvation Army Partner — Performs annually for the Salvation Army at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless.
- Salvation Army Partner — Provided entertainment at their annual Christmas Dinner for the homeless at the Tucson Community Center for over a decade.
- Sottosanti Family Fund Funder — Funds the Jack Jacobson Scholarship Fund.
- Tucson Museum of Art Partner — Faculty member's artwork exhibited at Tucson Museum of Art, indicating cultural collaboration.
- University of Arizona Partner — Faculty member earned MFA from and graduated from the University of Arizona; suggests educational affiliation or pipeline.
- Vince Sottosanti Partner — Co-founder of Kids Unlimited.